Copy Right -Understanding the art of learning from others -Part 3

Examine the possible outcome.

Every choice we make in life have implications which could be positive or negative. The outcome of what we do is very crucial and could help us in making the right decision as to what to do or refuse to do.

You should not only focus on what you are doing now or what you are copying but also the outcome of the actions you have chosen to follow. If you are happy to copy or follow a particular course in life, are you aware of the consequences of that choice, if any? Do you know what the likely result would be? Do you have an idea of the endpoint of such actions? If you are, Is that where you would like to be? Will you be happy with such an outcome?

It is not uncommon to find people copy someone without looking into the result of such actions. It could be as a result of persuasion while they are convinced to follow suit with limited or unclear facts about the implications. It may look neutral, pleasant, exciting, unharmful, or innocent, but the results sometimes becomes a surprise. What can you do to avoid unpleasant consequences and such surprises?

There are uncertainties in life and many situations that we cannot control, neither can one be able to ascertain the outcome of every situation. However, there are so many situations that repeat itself such that the same input usually have the same result in most cases. Everyone that performs the actions, most often than not, end up with the same or similar outcome. If you, therefore, follow the same steps, you are likely to end up with the same result. Knowing this could help you decide whether or not to copy or follow that line of action or idea.

Early on Christmas morning, a couple of years of ago, I dropped off a neighbour of ours at the train station. On my way back, I saw a Mercedes Benz car, lying upside down on a dual carriage road, with enough evidence around of so many road signs destroyed as a result of an accident. I parked safely, like some other road users to see what I can do to help. As I walked towards the car, I saw the young lady partly covered in blood. While awaiting the arrival of the ambulance, someone suggested that her parents be informed. Sober, in pain and with a deep sense of guilt, she asked for a mobile phone as her phone lacked battery power.

She was reluctant to call her parents as she was scared. On the phone to her parents, they could not believe what has happened to their daughter and car on a Christmas morning. Their daughter kept saying; “Sorry Mum, I was drunk, I was drunk.” She must have learnt the act somewhere or from someone, but she did not realise that one of the possible outcomes is what happened to her. Many people enjoy the present time, and never see the consequences of their actions in the future. The same actions usually produce the same or similar results. So many lives have been lost or shattered in this way. Some have incurred losses and damages that are irrecoverable. It is possible to avoid such unpleasant moments by being careful when learning from other people.

Worrisome statistics abound all around the world of fatally injured drivers linked to alcohol; twenty per cent in high-income countries, to seventy per cent in low-income countries. The choice to engage in the action is a choice to agree to the possible outcome. The same activity usually produces the same result.

It is a dangerous thing to be engaged in anything without knowing and understanding the possible outcomes. Whatever the action is, everyone that has done the same in the past would have had some results, that result is a possibility for everyone that engages in the same action.

You may find out that many that spend time reading and preparing judiciously for their tests or examinations with relevant materials do well. The same actions will usually produce the same or similar results.

So many young people copy various activities because someone somewhere is doing it but never know that it is an action that has a possible outcome, just like every action. It is not a good idea to do what other people do; you do not know where there are going.

I once spoke to a young lady seeking admission into the University. She told me her desired course and location; I then asked her the reason for her choice. I was perplexed by her answer. She said, “I chose the University and the course because my friend is doing the same; in that location, I want to be where she is.” It is like saying anywhere, any course, it does not matter. Another person’s destination may not be your destination. You may enjoy friendship now; that does now mean you will always find fulfilment where she is going. Everyone is unique, and you must identify your path and work towards getting to your destination.

Your desire could be to become a Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, Scientist, or any other thing that will bring you fulfilment. There is a route or a path that leads there. Many have followed the right track and arrived at their destination. If you do not follow the right direction, you are likely to find yourself somewhere else.

It is like going to the airport to board a plane to Heathrow in London. If you started your journey in New York, you would check that you are boarding the correct aircraft going to your destination, not just any available aircraft. If you don’t you are likely to arrive at a different destination. You may be landing in Australia instead of London. If you follow without understanding the outcome, you are likely to have some unpleasant surprises.

Every action follows a course that leads somewhere. Many people do not want the destination they eventually find themselves but unfortunately, just like a bus, train or aeroplane, you get on board by your choice and then you are taken to the destination advertised. If you do not check and confirm the destination of the aircraft, it will still take you there whether or not you like it.

There are so many examples around us of actions and their possible outcomes. You can make informed choices by checking the result of the action before you follow it. Whatever you decide to follow, make sure you are aware of the course you are on and where it is likely to be your destination.

Ask yourself this sincere question, where will this action take me? Where will I end up? Where do people that do such things end up in life? If the destination is not attractive to you, then change the course, change the action, and that will change the destination as well.

Do not copy others because what they are doing looks cool. It could be a temporary enjoyment that could lead to many lasting regrets if you do not make changes on time. Pause and think of where you are going, find out how to get there and put in the required actions that will lead you to such a destination.

Every action will lead you somewhere, but it is up to you to check and confirm if that is where you would like to be. Do not follow except you know where the path leads. Don’t just copy anyone you see, you are unique, and you could be the best of you. There is a future for you, and you must get there.

To be continued next week, don’t miss it.

I hope you have found this post valuable, please leave a comment below and share with others. Send in your questions or contributions as well if you have any, I will be glad to hear from you.

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